I abhorred Neelix the first time through, but I must say I really like him this time around. Although I do kinda miss the Tom Paris rivalry, it was pretty funny in "Live Fast and Prosper" where they were seeing if they "still had it" by playing a fast one on the Doctor.

I didn't mind he was annoying. He was from "the street", so he didn't have proper manners or up bringing. Heck, he didn't even have water!! So I understood his jealousy and his over exuberance. He was lonely. Poor guy.

Still, I thought he was funny too.
I have a thing for quirky humor.
I kinda like Jar Jar too.

I also think the make up artists did a great job designing him.
I find him too be one of the coolest looking aliens in Trek too, if not the most detailed. He's not just latex ears or a forehead bump.

Generally I like Neelix but I truly dislike any scenes with him and Kes, mostly because that relationship is just so wrong in my eyes. Ethan's comic timing is brilliant, which makes Neelix that much more likeable.

When I came to these forums I was not surprised at all by the mass disdain for him though. His Kes period jealousy did him no favors at all, and I'm sure many people couldn't get past that. His sugary niceness and tendency to yap-yap-yap incessantly probably sits poorly with people as well.

I think what endeared Neelix to me the most was his loyalty. Even though he displayed some cowardice at times, in the end he really is someone I would want in my corner in a tricky situation.

I always sort of felt bad for him that he didn't get to go to Earth. He seemed more excited about getting there than some of the people who were from there. The "Ambassador" thing is all fine and good, but I still hated seeing him left behind (although his departure made for some very touching Trek moments).

TUVOK: Why would you need to do research on Vulcan holidays? NEELIX: It's part of my job as morale officer. TUVOK: Morale is irrelevant to a Vulcan. NEELIX: Oh, please! There's no one on this ship requires my services more than you do. I will not rest until I see you smile. TUVOK: Then you will not rest. NEELIX: I don't suppose you've ever heard of the Vulcan Rumarie? TUVOK: The Rumarie is an ancient pagan festival. NEELIX:Full of barely clothed Vulcan men and women covered in slippery Rillan grease, chasing one another.TUVOK: That has not been observed for a millennium. NEELIX:Well it's time to bring it back!
TORRES [OC]: Lieutenant Tuvok, report to engineering immediately. TUVOK: Acknowledged. NEELIX: I've been thinking of a Rumarie theme for the mess hall next week. Lots of high fat, greasy foods, and if people want to take of their clothes and chase one another it certainly wouldn't hurt morale around here.

I think they did Neelix a favor when they took Kes off. Otherwise, I liked how he always managed to rub Tuvok the wrong way...and those scenes with him and Naomi. Sure, he was sometimes annoying, but he just seemed like an average guy to me.